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Chukar
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| ©Hugh
P. Smith, Jr. Courtesy of eNature |
Species
description provided by eNature
Description
13-15 1/2" (33-39 cm). Similar in size and shape to Gray Partridge.
Light brown back and wings; creamy-white belly; gray-tinged cap,
breast, and rump. White cheek and throat framed by broad black band.
Bold chestnut and black diagonal striping on flanks; bright rufous
outer tail feathers. Bill and legs orange-red.
Voice
A loud fast chuck-chuck-chuck; various cackling calls.
Habitat
Rocky arid hillsides and canyons.
Nesting
8-15 whitish eggs, spotted with brown, in a nest lined with grass
and feathers in the shelter of rocks or brush.
Range
Resident from British Columbia and Alberta south to California and
Colorado. Native to Eurasia.
Discussion
Best known for its loud call, the Chukar has been successfully introduced
to the West from the dry Mediterranean area of southern Europe.
It is a hardy bird, able to outrun a hunter. Outside the breeding
season, it moves about in coveys of up to 40 birds.
